News from Latin America and the Caribbean

If you cancel your cruise to Haiti, don't expect a refund

January 22, 2010 | 12:09
pm

As the debate continues on whether Royal Caribbean International cruise ships should visit the resort of Labadee in quake-ravaged Haiti, now comes this question: If you don’t feel comfortable going or you’re worried about disease or mayhem, can you cancel your cruise?

You can, but don’t expect a refund, said Al Anolik, a Bay Area travel attorney and author of “Traveler’s Rights: Your Legal Guide to Fair Treatment and Full Value.” Although Anolik is the traveler’s champion, he’s also a lawyer who knows what that cruise line’s contract of carriage probably says -- and what it doesn’t. And he has his own opinion about traveling to Haiti now.

“People want to cancel because they don’t think they should be water-skiing or diving,” Anolik said. “But tourism is a way to help Haiti.”